by Carly Morgan
Jackson dropped the foot and stood. “Have you ever been riding?” His face was stern.
“No.” She suddenly felt worried. The movies made it look like so much fun.
He grunted and she thought perhaps he was mad. “If you’d rather go alone, I can stay here and take photos, then walk out to the pond. I don’t want to cause you any stress.”
“It’s not that, but I think for today, you and I can ride one horse together.” He smiled. “After I give you a quick lesson in horse etiquette.”
Maya felt her eyebrows raise in question.
“First, you need to let the horse get to know you. So come here.” He held out his hand.
Maya paused as nervous anxiety ran through her.
“Come on. The horse shouldn’t bite.”
“Not encouraging,” she said.
Jackson chuckled, taking her hand. When their fingers and palms touched, tingles ran up her arm, like wild fire in an open field. He had her stand in front of him. “Horses prefer you touch them on certain parts of their body to say hello. It’s good to hold out your hand first and it never hurts if you have a sugar cube.” He produced one from his front pocket and placed it on her outstretched hand. “This is Shadow.” When Jackson spoke, the horse’s ears twitched and he clopped forward. He’s an appaloosa and is seven years old.” While he spoke, he came up behind her so that their bodies nearly touched, his hand cupped hers, holding her hand completely flat. Shadow sniffed before taking the sugar with his lips. The soft skin around his mouth touched her palm. It was soft, softer than she thought it would be and the horse’s whiskers tickled. “Do you know why when you feed a horse you should keep your hand flat?” His voice came right against her ear and she shivered.
“No.”
“It’s so that the horse doesn’t accidentally bite your skin. He wouldn’t mean to, but if it’s near the food you’re trying to feed him, he might mistake your hand for the sugar and you could get bit. So it’s a safety precaution. Okay?”
“Got it.”
Jackson stepped away and she took a step back, feeling off balance without his presence near.
“Second, never be at the back of a horse. You’ll scare it and end up getting kicked. That is not something you want to experience.”
She nodded, swallowing.
“If you need to pass around the back side of a horse, place your hand here and walk around.” He demonstrated. “This way the horse knows where you are at all times.”
Maya crossed her arms, hugging herself.
“Now let me show you how to saddle a horse.”
She watched with increasing horror as he checked each of the horses hooves, explaining that he wanted to make sure they were clean before riding so that they wouldn’t get thrown. Then he put on the reins, followed by the saddle blanket and the saddle. It had to be buckled tight so that it wouldn’t slide off, but not so tight as to make the animal uncomfortable. When he finished, he showed her how to climb on, while he held the reins. Jackson actually let her sit in the saddle, which felt weirder than anything she’d ever sat in while he sat behind her, promising that it would be fine.
“I’ve already assessed that this horse is sweet, and actually likes people. Patty did a good job purchasing this horse. Shadow was an excellent choice.” As he spoke he leaned forward and scratched the horse between the ears. Maya’s skin burned as his arm rested against hers.
Shadow nickered, shaking his head.
“They like that a lot,” Jackson added.
“Can I try?”
“Go for it.”
She reached up and scratched softly, enjoying the warmth of the horses fur. He was soft and she decided she liked horses. “That’s it, Shadow,” she cooed.
“Very good. Now it’s time to move. You ready?”
“Sure.”
8
For the next half hour, Jackson taught her how to use the halter and how to use her thighs to move the horse and tell it how fast to go. She did her best. Jackson and Shadow were patient, but it would take at least a few more lessons before she really got the hang of riding.
When they reached the pond, Jackson helped her slide off. Sunlight sparkled across the water. A breeze pushed the water so that it lapped against the shore. It wasn’t quite the same as the ocean, but it still brought a sliver of nostalgia over her. “It’s beautiful,” Maya said when Jackson came to stand beside her. He’d tied the horse to a tree a small ways off.
“Yes, it is. When I first saw that she was having a pond built, I thought she was nuts, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea. She can use it year round. There’s fishing and boating, but then when it freezes over, there’s ice skating.” His eyes lit with excitement.
“You like to ice skate?” She tried to imagine what it would be like to go ice skating with him.
“I don’t do it often, but yes, it can be fun.” He smiled down at her and Maya felt her insides warm. “Have you ice skated?”
“No. I grew up in Santa Barbara. I can surf, body board, wind sail, swim, rollerblade, and drive a golf cart, but I’ve never lived in the country.” She took a breath, watching his eyes. He seemed surprised by all she could do. In addition to that, she could see something more. She studied him curiously until it occurred to her that he couldn’t do any of the things she’d mentioned. “I’m guessing you haven’t done a lot of surfing out here in the country?”
Jackson snorted. “I drive a mean golf cart.”
“I see.” Maya giggled as she watched his features soften. See, she wanted to say. I’m not the complete moron you think I am. I just don’t know the country like you do. But if you teach me, I’m sure I can do it.
“I’ve never been to the beach.” Jackson crossed his arms, deep in thought. “But I’ve always wanted to go.”
“You should,” Maya gushed, as her feelings for the ocean rushed through her. “You’d love it.”
He glanced down at her and smiled. “You’ll come with me?”
She wasn’t sure what the right answer was, but she knew what she wanted to say. “Sure.”
“All right then.” He returned his eyes to the water.
“Mind if I take a picture?” Maya had brought her camera to her eye and watched him through the lens. He turned and smiled. She snapped a picture in that second. “Nice.” She bounced on her feet with happiness before showing him the picture.
He shrugged. “The model could use some work.”
“I don’t know about that. You seem pretty perfect to me.” As soon as Maya uttered the words, she knew what she’d done, and covered her mouth. Mortified, she took a step back, unable to believe she’d said the words. Out loud. To his face. Her cheeks got hot and she looked away, fiddling with the shutter speed on her camera.
Jackson smiled easily. “Pictures are two-dimensional. It’s easy to hide the flaws.”
She needed some space, to take some time and recuperate. “I’m going to the dock to get some photos of the boats in the water.” She felt comfortable, like she’d known him for years, and crazy all at once whenever he was around. After several photos, she paused, staring out at the water. The sounds of the boats bumping against each other, and the scent of muddy water along with fish calmed her. She took a deep breath and could smell the peaches too. Further on, past the pond were the mountains. They were exquisite in their grandeur, color, and shape. Everything about them necessitated she take pictures. Putting the camera to her eye, she focused, zooming the mountains in.
“Want to go for a ride?” He came to stand beside her. She paused and gave him a sideways glance. His arms were crossed and his expression was thoughtful.
“I do, but I still need to get pictures of the horses and stable before the sun goes down.” She tapped her camera with a finger. “But maybe another time?”
“You’re afraid I’ll dump you in the water, aren’t you?” He smirked, facing her.
“You wouldn’t dare. I’d lose all of my pictures.” That wasn’t a jok
ing matter. In fact as she had the thought she stepped away from one edge and nearly tumbled off the other side. Jackson caught her, his left arm wrapped around her like he’d dipped her at the end of a dance. “Thank you.” She stepped from his grasp. “I should probably get back.”
“Sure.”
They walked in silence back to Shadow. He was nibbling on grass, and looking up, swishing his tail as they approached. Maya realized Jackson was right. The horse really did like people. She wished she had another sugar cube to give him. Before she got any closer, she snapped a few images of the horse as Jackson walked toward him. The horse seemed genuinely glad to see the man. She couldn’t blame him. She was always happy to see him too.
When they returned to the stables, she went about taking more pictures while Jackson cared for Shadow. Before she got too far, the man running the stables whose name was Benny presented her and Jackson with a bottle of water. As soon as the cool water hit the back of her throat, she comprehended how thirsty she’d been. Jackson drank his all gone. She smiled and took a picture. While he worked she would snap pictures of him and Shadow in between pictures of the barn in the setting sunlight.
Jackson removed the saddle and blanket from Shadow’s back. Cleaned out the horse’s hooves with a scraping metal tool. When he’d finished that, he brushed the horse down again, talking to him the whole time. Shadow’s skin twitched as he brushed, and Maya guessed that the horse was enjoying himself. When Jackson finished, his hair was slick with sweat so that the curls stuck to the sides of his head. Jackson gave Shadow some oats and water, speaking with the stable master while the horse ate. She watched Jackson take out the other new horse, a female called Dahlia. She was ruddy brown and seemed more skittish around people than Shadow had. Maya stopped taking pictures when the large lights came on automatically high above them. They were nice and Patty had been smart for adding them, but it reminded Maya that she’d been busy all day and was exhausted.
Patty came out side then. “I’m going to go inside.” Maya spoke in her aunt’s direction, but hoped she’d been loud enough that Jackson heard.
“Goodnight, honey.” Patty hugged her.
Jackson tipped his hat at her and she smiled. “Thanks for your help today.”
Maya shut her door and immediately went to get cleaned up. She felt hot and sticky, and probably didn’t smell too good either. When she’d finished and had changed into a pair of sweats and a tank top, she made herself some dinner and browsed through the pictures she’d downloaded onto her laptop while she ate.
They were good. She felt confident her aunt could use several for her brochure. She selected the ones she liked the most and put them into a folder so that she could edit them later. That finished, she took her plate to the sink and cleaned the kitchen. It was her way of avoiding the pictures she really wanted to look at. Finally, after she’d poured herself some ice water and put a fresh lemon slice in it, she reopened her laptop and scrolled through the photos of Jackson. She loved the close up. His blue eyes twinkling with happiness, the way his hair curled around his cowboy hat, even the laugh lines at the edges of his eyes. His teeth were white and straight and stood out against his tanned skin. “Very handsome,” she whispered.
Her eyes caught hold of the pictures she’d framed for him. And she decided to do something bold. Something she might have promised herself she wouldn’t do, especially after the tragic end to her first marriage. But offering a silent prayer, she decided to take the pictures to his house. Just knock on his door, wait for him to answer, hand them to him, and see what happened. It was bold but then her aunt had told her to do something to let him know she was interested. She figured going over there would do the trick.
Without debating the idea further, she pulled on her boots, grabbed the gifts, and was on the Bale’s property before she realized it. At that moment she panicked. In the distance she could make out the barn, the large, main house and then two smaller houses off to the side. She didn’t know which house was his. Instinct told her the largest house belonged to Jackson’s mom and dad. That meant one of the others was his, but which one.
His truck, she thought. She’d see which house the truck was parked in front of. Driving forward, she came to the main drive and noticed what she thought was his truck to be parked there.
“Now what?” Maya debated about what to do. But before she could make a decision, Milly came out. She carried a shotgun. Maya rolled down the window. “Mrs. Bale. It’s Maya Vance, Patty’s niece. I’m so sorry to bother you this late at night.”
Milly paused, squinting as she came forward. “Maya.” She relaxed her hold on the gun. “Hasn’t anyone taught you not to skulk around someone’s house?” She laughed. “I could’ve shot you.”
Maya giggled nervously. “I’m really sorry. I—”
“What’s wrong, dear?”
“Oh, nothing. I—” She struggled to get the truth out.
“You’re here to see Jackson,” Milly finished for her.
“Yes.” Maya giggled again, before realizing how she sounded and stopped. “Not to skulk. I have a present for him.” It was then Maya noticed Milly had her long hair down. It’d been braided and was draped over her left shoulder. She also wore a housecoat. Maya’s heart sank. The woman had obviously been in bed. According to the clock on her dash, it was nearing eleven. For those who got up early, it was late. “I’ll go. I’m really sorry, Mrs. Bale.”
Milly waved away her apology with her free hand. “It’s fine. You startled me, that’s all.” She’d reached Maya’s car and she put her hand on it, steadying herself. “I haven’t been getting as much sleep as I should.”
Maya felt horrible. She had a sick husband, four sons to look after, though they were probably old enough to look after themselves, and a large ranch full of things that needed to get done. “I should’ve called him or texted first.”
“Probably,” Milly said, but smiled. “Might as well go over. His is the house closest to this one. The lights are still on. That means he’s awake.”
“If you think he won’t mind.”
She laughed. “Highly unlikely,” Milly said.
“Okay, thank you.”
“Have a good night, Maya.” She started back toward the house.
“Milly,” Maya called.
“What is it, child? If I don’t get back in bed soon, I’m going to fall asleep on my feet.”
“Real quick. I wondered if I could take a family photo for you?” Milly faced Maya. She didn’t want to seem presumptuous or intrude, but she wanted to give the family a memory, one they could hold onto for generations. She’d also had an idea to take a picture of Jackson’s dad, one where he was younger, and edit him into a photo she took of all of the brothers together. But she’d bring that up later. If the family agreed. “Not now, of course. But sometime, whenever might be good for your family. No cost, either. I’d like to do it as a gift, if I could.”
Milly smiled. “That’s really thoughtful. I’d like that. Thank you, Maya.”
“Welcome.”
“Now I’m going to bed. If you have anything else you need to discuss with this old bird, it’ll have to be tomorrow.”
“Night,” Maya said with a laugh. She waited until Milly was back up the stairs and inside her house. Then she drove slowly, following the gravel road until she reached Jackson’s house. She again debated what to do next. “Buck up, cowgirl,” she whispered and then laughed, having no idea where that came from. “Deep breaths.” She breathed. Turned off her car. Grabbed the photos and shut the door. There were seven steps before reaching the porch. As she placed a foot on the first step, the front door opened. A little girl in pink princess pajamas appeared.
“Hello?” She waved, a big smile on her face.
Maya thought she looked like an angel. “Hi.”
“Daddy it isn’t grammy, it’s a pretty lady I don’t know.”
Maya heard someone walking fast. “Ava.” He swooped her up into his arms before glancing at
Maya. Surprise registered on his face. “What are you doing here?” The words hadn’t been uttered in anger, but shock.
“You have a child?” It was the first words out of her mouth.
He nodded once, but Maya noticed the way his jaw clenched and unclenched. He hadn’t wanted her to find out.
“I didn’t know.” Maya stood there frozen, unable to move. It seemed to her that if someone had a child, sharing that information would be at the top of the list of topics communicated with the other person. She knew what type of ice cream he liked for crying out loud, but somehow he’d forgotten to mention that a tiny person belonged to him.
“Daddy, she has a present. Is it your birthday, cuz I know it isn’t mine.” Ava had placed her little hand on his cheek and spoke in a loud whisper into his cheek instead of his ear. It was one of the most adorable things Maya had ever seen. It brought tears to her eyes. She’d wanted children. She and her ex had tried, but it’d never happened. Of course she was grateful now. But somehow seeing Jackson with Ava made her heart hurt. He already had a family. He didn’t need her.
“Yes, she does. And it isn’t my birthday either. Should we ask her to come in and tell us about it?” Jackson’s voice was so sweet. He spoke to her tenderly and with adoration, just the way a father should talk to a child, even one still up so late.
Tears started falling and she couldn’t stop them. “Sorry.” Maya set the gift on the steps and ran.
“Bye, pretty lady,” she heard Ava call.
By the time she reached home, she was crying so hard, there was snot involved. She felt a little out of control. How had her heart grown so attached to him so quickly? How had she let that happen? It made no sense. She hadn’t cried this hard when she caught her husband cheating, and that had been devastating. She flung herself onto her bed, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
9